Donald Goemaat

Donald Goemaat

Donald Goemaat
January 16, 1948 – March 20, 2014
New Sharon, Iowa | Age 66

Donald Goemaat, 66, of New Sharon was surrounded by his family when he completed his journey to be with Jesus on Thursday, March 20, 2014, while being cared for at the MHP Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa. He was born January 16, 1948, in Mahaska County, Iowa, the son of Edward and Bernice Brummel Goemaat.

Don graduated with the class of 1966 from North Mahaska High School. Following high school he worked for Wymer Implement in New Sharon as a mechanic. He served six years in the United States Army National Guard. On February 14, 1969, Don was united in marriage to Glenda Boender. The two of them where blessed with five children, Ed, Carol, Jon, Dan and Kris.

Early in their marriage Don and Glenda farmed east of Oskaloosa, they later moved to a farm near New Sharon. In 1978, they bought and moved to the farm they live on currently. Don loved the farm and had a great desire to be a good steward of the land. He was still concerned about the farm in the hospital in his final days.

Don was a lifelong, active member of Central Reformed Church where he served both as a Deacon and Elder. He and Glenda had also been youth sponsors at church.

When he was young Don enjoyed tractor pulling. Of late, he enjoyed working in his shop, fishing with his family in the pond he built on the farm, camping, and being around his family and friends. He was always willing to help others, even if it meant putting his tasks aside. Don’s life revolved around the Lord, his family and his farm. His example taught his family to love the Lord and work hard.

His family includes his wife of over 45 years, Glenda Goemaat of New Sharon , Iowa; three sons: Ed (Shawna) Goemaat of New Sharon, Jon (Tami) Goemaat of New Sharon, and Dan (Amber) Goemaat of New Sharon; two daughters: Carol Ferguson of Oskaloosa, Kris (Eric) Fox of Oskaloosa; eleven grandchildren: Megan Goemaat, Andrew Goemaat, Katy Goemaat, Matthew Goemaat, Anthony Goemaat, Will Goemaat, Charlie Goemaat, Trace Goemaat, Cory Goemaat, Dawson Goemaat, and Gracie Fox; a sister: Lois (Cornie) Hol of Oskaloosa; two brothers in law: Stan (Lila) Boender of Oskaloosa, and Roy Poe of Oskaloosa; a sister in law, Wanita (George) Callas of Olathe, Kansas; his mother in law: Wilma Boender Van Weelden of Oskaloosa; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson: T.J. Goemaat; three sisters: Carol Goemaat, Dolores Poe, and Eleanor Veldhuizen; a son in law: Todd Ferguson; and his father in law: Sam Boender.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 24, 2014, at 1:30 p.m. in the Central Reformed Church in Oskaloosa with Reverend Case VanKempen officiating.
A family prayer service will be at 1:15 Monday afternoon in the basement of the church.
Burial will be in the Union Mills Cemetery, east of New Sharon, Iowa. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Visitation will begin Sunday after 12 noon in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be present at the funeral chapel from 1-3 Sunday afternoon to greet friends and relatives.
Memorials may be made to the New Sharon Volunteer Fire Department or Central Reformed Church Outreach Program.